Could We Justify the Pull and Push Factors of Child Labour?

I think this is not a new issue in our society because this issue is quite common in developing and underdeveloped countries, including Indonesia. Also, I am not 100% sure that the reasons (push and pull factors) behind this issue are justifiable – one example that happened in Jakarta, Indonesia.

The main reason is that every child needs to get the best for their lives because before they are mature (same and/or older than 18 years old) – based on the convention on the rights of the child, they need support from their surroundings, especially family, and it’s a mandate for every parent to take care of their children despite their current situation, including financial ability and social status.

Yet, we live in an unequal and unfair world where destiny sets different paths for one person to another. In Indonesia, most of the reasons for this issue happening are poverty and the responsibility to support family members, especially parents – based on personal and work experience. Thus, many child labor issues exist in Indonesia, especially in the eastern part of Nusantara, e.g., Maluku and Papua Provinces. And, not a few local communities in Indonesia accept this issue as a normal thing because of several reasons to justify it.

For me, I cannot accept this issue exists in Indonesia, and there is a must for everyone to voice and address it, especially governments and grassroots organizations which have many experiences on the ground. For the purpose of sharing, Wahana Visi Indonesia sets up child forums in the ministry areas to prevent this issue and address the root causes that trigger it – related to push and pull factors. This work needs contributions from everyone, including faith-based organizations, community leaders, volunteer groups, local governments, and many more.

The thing is that to address it, everyone needs to work together as this issue is complex and brings negative impacts on the growth of children and their future. Thus, advocacy and campaigns to prevent this issue made by the government are essential – through influencers and advertisements on television and radio broadcasting. As the approach of the final year of SDGs is coming closer – 2030. Hence, collaboration (Goal 17: Partnership for the Goal) is one important aspect to succeed in the prevention of this issue – child labor in Indonesia.